Voters of the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District defeated a proposed $26.3 million budget for the 2024-25 school year, with 789 in favor and 573 opposed. Because the 5.09% tax levy increase was above the district’s assigned tax levy “cap,” a super majority of votes (60% plus one) was needed to pass. This year’s proposed budget received 57.9% of voters’ approval at the polls.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District officials indicated that if the proposed budget was defeated, the district may move to adopt a contingent budget for the 2024-25 school year. Under the property tax cap law, a school district that adopts a contingent budget cannot increase its tax levy.
District officials will schedule an upcoming Board of Education meeting to discuss next steps on a contingency budget for the 2024-25 school year.
“The district will now take the appropriate steps to work with our Board of Education to discuss our options for the upcoming school year,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mundell.